September 25th 2011 A.D. "The tax collectors and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you"

Matthew 21:28-32

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The parable  of the crazy farmer from last Sunday and of the Prodigal Son from this Sunday are two classic examples of the parable form. They make one point and one point only. Last Sunday was not a paradigm for labor management relations. This Sunday is not about how parents should deal with their children. Both kids in this story are mean, nasty, conniving nerds.

 The point in the story is that the father is so crazy in his love for them that he spoils them both rotten. So says the parable is God about us. If human parents were as indulgent with their kids as God is with us. We’d say they were spoiling their kids rotten. God spoils us rotten.

Fr. Greeley's Last Book:

Once upon a time there were twin age women who greatly loved their parents. Unfortunately the parents, who had married somewhat later in life, were just two tired to put up with the exuberance and inexperience of their children. Rather than enjoying them and even laughing with them (and behind their backs at them), they complain about the noise and the phone calls and the strange clothes they wore and the loud music and the constant babble.

 Now  this troubled the kids who, like I say, really loved their parents and wanted to shape them up. So they connived to surprise them with a gift – a weekend at a spa with their aunt coming to the house to teen sit. They worked hard at their jobs to pay for the gift. Their parents said that spas were boring and they’d rather sit home and watch television.

 Then the kids, who, like I say, really loved their parents, connived again and bought them a gift certificate for the best restaurant in town and a Broadway musical that was coming to their city. The parents said they’d seen the play when they were young and liked it then, but now it was BORING. One twin said to the other. Maybe we should give up on them. They’re too old to have any fun. We can’t do that said the other.

They’re too young not to have any fun.

So they connived again.

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Psalm 25:4-9

4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;  for you I wait all the day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD!
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

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This book has a chapter about Fr. Greeley and is dedicated to him. Great read!
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